Ngwesi River Boat is located in Shakawe, Botswana. Ngwesi offers en-suite accommodation for eight guests in the cabins on the lower deck of the boat and additional open-air accommodation is offered for 6 guests on the upper deck. Ngwesi's activities include game viewing and birding, with over 450 bird species recorded in the area. Tiger and Bream fishing is available as well - excursions on tender boats to explore the Delta with its countless water channels, floating islands, fertile banks and of course, Mokoro excursions (dugout canoe). Guests can also discover the Delta the traditional way with an experienced local guide. The untouched water wilderness sanctuary of the Delta is ideal for quiet relaxation and discovery away from whole world.

THE DELTA:

The Okavango, the largest island delta in the world, is the most unexpected of wonders: Water in the desert, spreading like an outstretched hand over the thirsty lands of the Kalahari. The pristine landscape and diverse wildlife of the Okavango Delta makes it one of Africa's prime tourist destinations.

THE "NGWESI" RIVER BOAT:

The “Ngwesi” (meaning tiger fish) Riverboat consists of a lower and upper deck. The lower deck is the sleeping quarters with 4 en suite bedrooms. Two of the bedrooms have twin beds while the other two have double beds. The bathrooms all have showers, hand basin with vanity slab, WC and hanging, as well as packing space. The WCs are flush and there is hot and cold running fresh water.
The Upper deck is under cover and is used for dining and socialising. The fully stocked and serviced wooden bar is also situated on the Upper deck. Drinking water is provided.

LOCATION:

Map

The Ngwesi is moored in Shakawe at Drotsky's Cabins from where it operates.
The Shakawe area, being a mix of riverine bush, savannah and semi-desert, is a Mecca for bird-watchers. It marks the start of the Okavango panhandle which channels the waters of the Okavango River between thick, meandering banks of papyrus for approximately 80 kilometers before it opens up into the vast fan-shaped Delta.

Travel by road from Maun to Shakawe

Approximately 360 km of tarred road all the way. Straight pass choppies on your left and the filling station on your right, at the t-junction (just before entering the BDF) turn left, go straight again and follow the signboard for Ngwesi House Boat.

Travel by road from Namibia:

Enter at Mohembo border post. At the first t-junction turn right towards Shakawe, at the next t-junction turn right and straight pass choppies on your left and the filling station on your right , at the t-junction (just before entering the BDF) turn left, go straight again and follow the signboard for Ngwesi House Boat.

Shakawe, being a mix of riverine bush, savannah and semi-desert, is a Mecca for birdwatchers. It is located close to the beginning of the Okavango panhandle which channels the waters of the Okavango River between thick, meandering banks of papyrus before it opens up into the vast fan-shaped Delta.

The airstrip at Shakawe (FBSW) is a tar strip licensed to take public aircraft.
Or travel by road from Maun to Shakawe, the road is tar all the way.370 km with a travelling time of approximately 4 hours
From Namibia: Enter at Mahembu Border post - 10 kilometres to Shakawe

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More photos: photo album of Ngwesi River Boat

ACTIVITIES:

Fishing: For the fly fisherman/woman, plying for tiger fish provides the ultimate challenge. Other species such as bream are also found in the Delta. The necessary tackle and bait are provided along with an informative guide who will select a prime spot from where catches are to be made.
Birding: Ornithologists have long been drawn to this veritable treasure trove of bird life, which is home to over 400 species of birds among others the Pel's Fishing Owl, which is often heard but rarely seen.
The Delta's wetland wilderness of looping channels. Islands forested with palms and wide grassy floodplains are host to a magnificent array of wild animals and birds.
River Boating: An excursion on a tender boat is one of the best ways to navigate this paradise of crystal clear water. This is included in the daily rate. Hippos and crocs are regularly seen on the river itself.

OPTIONAL EXTRA LAND EXCURSIONS:

Tsodilo Hills: Day excursions. A 53 kilometer drive (30 minutes) Bushmen paintings. Full day depart 08h00 – 16h00 The Tsodilo Hills are a rare and spiritually rewarding treat in the south-western corner of Botswana. An atmosphere of mystery and intrigue surrounds this unusual place, believed by the San (Bushmen) to be the site of first Creation. They painted more than 3 500 rock paintings against the remarkable stone faces of the hills. Some of the paintings date back to between 800 and 1300 AD. The site is held sacred by the locals and a powerful presence has been felt by all visitors to Tsodilo Hills.
Mahangu: Visit a nearby game reserve in Namibia. Travelling time 15 minutes from Shakawe at Mahembu border post. Half or full day depart 07h00 – return 14h00 or 17h00

RIVER BOAT ITINERARIES:

The days on the Delta meander much like the Okavango river does. The guests dictate the pace and the activities, below are two suggested itineraries for a three and four day stay.
Suggested Standard Itinerary:
Day One: Check in at Drotsky's Camp, Shakawe, at approximately 14h00. Once on board the Ngwesi Riverboat establishment will up anchor and move out onto the river. Establishment will drop anchor in the late afternoon.
16h00 Sundowner trip on the "tender boats" to explore the surrounding area.
19h00 - 20h00 A three course dinner is enjoyed on the upper deck of the Ngwesi.
Overnight Houseboat
Day Two: 06h00 Early rise to enjoy the sunrise on the Delta from the Houseboat.
08h00 Breakfast on the The Ngwesi Houseboat
After breakfast you have the option of participating in a tender boat outing to explore the surrounding areas, fishing and birding or lazing on deck soaking up the sun.
13h00 A light lunch is served on board the Ngwesi.
15h00 A trip on the Tender boats is offered which could give you the opportunity of trying your hand at fishing for tiger and bream. Or you may choose to do a spot of birding, with over 400 species of birds this area is one of the top bird watching spots in the world.
18h00 Sundowners enjoyed on the deck of the Ngwesi.
19h00-20h00 Dinner is served.
Day Three: 08h00 The Ngwesi pulls up anchors and meanders back to it’s mooring at Drotsky’s Camp, breakfast is served en route. Arriving back at Drotsky’s at approximately 09h30-10h00.

Suggested Itinerary including an excursion to Tsodilo Hills or Mahangu Game reserve:
Day One: Check in at Drotsky’s Camp, Shakawe, at aprox 14h00. Once on board the Ngwesi Riverboat establishment will up anchor and move out onto the river. Establishment will drop anchor in the late afternoon.
16h00 Sundowner trip on the “tender boats” to explore the surrounding area.
19h00 – 20h00 A three course dinner is enjoyed on the upper deck of the Ngwesi.
Overnight Houseboat
Day Two: 06h00 Early rise to enjoy the sunrise on the Delta from the Houseboat.
08h00 Breakfast on the The Ngwesi Houseboat
After breakfast you have the option of participating in a tender boat outing to explore the surrounding areas, fishing and birding or lazing on deck soaking up the sun.
13h00 A light lunch is served on board the Ngwesi.
15h00 A trip on the Tender boats is offered which could give you the opportunity of trying your hand at fishing for n tiger and bream. Or you may choose to do a spot of birding, with over 400 species of birds this area is one of the top bird watching spots in the world.
18h00 Sundowners enjoyed on the deck of the Ngwesi.
19h00-20h00 Dinner is served.
Day 3: Early morning departure for a full day excursion to Tsoldilo Hills (see Excursion description above) Picnic Breakfasts and lunches will be provided.
Day Four: 08h00 The Ngwesi pulls up anchors and meanders back to it’s mooring at Drotsky’s Camp, breakfast is served en route. Arriving back at Drotsky's at approximately 09h30-10h00.

SUGGESTED ITINERARIES INCLUDING THE KALAHARI. "BUSH AND DELTA"
The Okavango River Boats forms part of the African Expeditions group, the other two safari options within this group is the Haina Safari Lodge on the northern border of the Central Kalahari National Park and Mobile Safaris operating into the Central Kalahari National Park.
Combining these two extremes, the Desert and the Delta, is the ultimate in an African safari. Below are some suggested itineraries including all three of these safari options.
An ideal itinerary would be:
Day 1 : Haina Safari Lodge
Day 2 : Mobile Safari into the Central Kalahari National Park
Day 3 : Haina Safari Lodge before departing Haina spend time interacting with the local Bushmen as you share in a “lifestyle experience”.
Day 4 &5: Okavango River Boats.

For the use of the entire boat, with crew and includes oil, use of tender boats, use of fishing tackle, fishing lesson and guided birding trips. Crew will also prepare meals.
Cash bar available for drinks. Clients supply own food and ice.

CATERED OPTION: AVAILABLE